Insurance Blog
Car Maintenance You May Be Overlooking
When it comes to our cars, it’s obvious when some things need our attention.
Cracking rubber and a streaky windshield in the rain indicate when wiper blades need to be replaced.
Spotting worn tread or a flat tire when we check our wheels—which we should do every time we drive—is noticeable enough.
And anyone who’s owned a car should know 3,000 miles as the standard interval for an oil change, even though many manufacturers recommend waiting longer.
But while some things aren’t quite as obvious, they’re no less important. There are many moving parts in a car, and even if they might not trigger flashing lights on your dashboard, they still require attention every so often.
While certainly not an exhaustive list, these car-maintenance items are often among the most overlooked:
Fluid Levels
While engine oil might get all the attention, many of your car’s important components rely on fluids that must be regularly attended to. For example, coolant is essential to keeping your engine from overheating and seizing, brake fluid transfers the force from your car’s pedal into its brake system, and transmission fluid lubricates the shifting gears and reduces friction to keep your transmission running smoothly.
Additional fluids, such as power steering and differential fluid, also require changing at different times. As all fluids perform important functions and are worthy of keeping a maintenance schedule, your auto technician can help you manage your car’s upkeep in accordance with your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines.
Engine Belts
Owners of cars of a certain age or mileage might be familiar with your engine’s various belts and the need to eventually replace them.
Timing belts are integral to keeping an engine running by synchronizing its crankshaft and camshaft. Many newer vehicles have timing chains, which are more durable, and in some instances can last the life of the car. While certain clues, such as a misfiring engine or a ticking noise, may indicate that it’s failing, your timing belt can break without warning, making the car inoperable and often resulting in damage to other components.
Serpentine belts, or drive belts, are another essential belt that should eventually be replaced. These long, continuous belts transfer power from the engine to important parts such as the alternator and steering pump. However, they also break down over time due to friction and heat and can result in an overheated engine.
As vehicle’s specifications differ, you owner’s manual will have recommendations on when to replace these belts.
Cabin Air Filter
Not to be confused with the engine air filter—we’ll get to that later—the cabin air filter cleans the air that enters your vehicle’s cabin. Since it catches dirt, dust and other airborne debris, the filter can fill up with gunk over time and become ineffective at doing its job. When really saturated, it can even result in decreased airflow and unpleasant odors coming from your climate system.
Most cabin air filters are located behind the glove box and are relatively simple and inexpensive to replace. They should be replaced roughly every 15,000 miles. But if you’ve never changed your cabin air filter, be forewarned: it can appear pretty grimy and make you wonder what you’ve been breathing in while you drive.
Engine Air Filter
Just as the air filter in your car’s cabin cleans the air for its occupants, an engine air filter allows your engine to breathe. But an old and dirty air filter can let dirt, dust and other particulate matter inside your engine, which can result in a loss of power, dark exhaust and reduced fuel efficiency.
Depending on your driving habits and environment, it’s wise to at least inspect the engine air filter regularly to ensure it’s visibly clean. Car manufacturers generally recommend changing them anywhere between 15,000 and 45,000 miles, depending on the make and model.
Spark Plugs
Your car’s engine needs a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber, and that’s where spark plugs come into play. Over time, however, spark plugs can become less effective at doing their job.
When they begin to misfire, faulty spark plugs can result in things like rattle-like noises, difficulty starting and poor gas mileage. As spark plugs can vary in their lifespan, drivers should consult their owner’s manual to determine when to replace them as part of a preventative maintenance routine.
A Coverage Review
No, it’s not technically maintenance on your car, but it’s a good opportunity to make sure your insurance coverages are in line with your current needs. Like changing your oil or your cabin air filter, coverage reviews should take place periodically to help ensure things run efficiently.
Find a local Erie Insurance agent to help you understand what the right coverages are for you and why they matter. Get a free quote today.
Posted on 2 March 2026 | 4:00 pm
11 Hacks to Deal with Snow and Ice on Your Car
Removing snow and ice from your vehicle before driving improves visibility and helps prevent frozen debris from endangering other drivers. In some states, failing to clear your car properly can also lead to fines. The tips below explain how to clear snow and ice efficiently and safely before you hit the road.
At a glance: Clear these areas before driving
- Roof
- Windshield and rear window
- Side windows and mirrors
- Headlights and taillights
- License plate
1. Use Your Defrosters
The warm air will help melt the snow and ice faster. As soon as you start your car, turn on your front and rear defrosters as you start clearing. Read our guide on defogging your windshield for more guidance on how to use your defrosters.
2. Give Yourself Time
Clearing snow and ice can take longer than expected, especially if your car has been sitting through heavy snowfall or freezing temperatures. Rushing the process increases the risk of missed ice, reduced visibility and unsafe driving conditions, so be sure to allow extra time to fully clear your vehicle before hitting the road.
3. Be Careful With Your Wipers
Pulling on frozen windshield wipers can damage the rubber blade or weaken the arm’s mechanism. Instead, use an ice scraper to chip away at the ice and give the car defroster time to do its job.
4. Avoid Hot Water
Pouring it on ice-cold glass can cause the glass to break. As tempting as it may be, spare your windshield the hot water and stick to an ice scraper and brush. If you really need a little extra help, consider the next hack.
5. Use a deicing spray
Commercial-grade sprays—or a homemade mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol—can make the job faster and easier. Save yourself some time by spraying a thin sheet of deicer over all windows of your vehicle.
6. Use a Proper Snow Brush
Shovels and other brushes not marketed for safe use on cars can leave behind scratches. Investing in a brush with soft bristles and keeping it in your car is a must for the winter.
7. Start From the Top
Clear snow off the roof of the car first and work your way down, as clearing the top part of the car later could undo the work you did on the bottom half. Make sure to clear the roof as well to help keep you and other drivers on the road safe from flying ice and snow.
Preventative Tips Before Snow and Ice Arrive
8. Put Plastic Bags Over Your Mirrors
Plastic bags can prevent snow and ice from building up, saving time and improving visibility in the morning. Grab a couple rubber bands to help secure them in place until you’re ready to drive, then remove them for ice-free mirrors.
9. Spray a Little Cooking Oil on Rubber Seals
Applying cooking oil on the rubber seals between your doors can help prevent them from freezing shut. Lightly coat a paper towel with oil and wipe it along the seals before freezing temperatures arrive, taking care not to overapply or get oil on interior surfaces.
10. Cover Your Windshield
This can help prevent ice from forming in the first place, reducing scraping time and improving visibility. Use a piece of cardboard, towel or folded sheet and secure it in place before temperatures drop, then remove it before driving for a clear start.
11. Park Your Car Facing East at Night
The rising sun can help get a jump start on melting the snow and ice. Make sure your car has an unobstructed path to the sky.
Preparing for Winter Driving
Preparing your car for winter weather is easier when you’re protected year-round. An ERIE Insurance agent can help you find auto coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Posted on 18 February 2026 | 4:00 pm
What to Know About Winter Car Washes
Washing your car during the winter helps remove road salt and ice-melting chemicals that can cause rust and corrosion, especially on fuel lines and brakes. Cold weather can be challenging, but the answers to the questions below explain how washes can protect your car safely throughout the winter months.
Should you wash your car in the winter?
Yes. Road salt and other de-icing chemicals used to keep roads safe can build up on your vehicle and contribute to rust and corrosion. Regular winter car washes help protect your car’s exterior and critical components, even if keeping it spotless feels impossible this time of year.
How cold is too cold for a car wash?
Skip washing your car if the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Water can freeze on contact, leading to frozen door handles, locks, and seals. If you do wash your car in cold weather, make sure it dries completely. Using a car wash with a built-in dryer or wiping the vehicle down with a microfiber cloth at home can help prevent freezing.
Even when temperatures are above freezing, driving before your car dries can cause road salt to stick to wet surfaces, reducing the benefits of the wash.
What should I do if my car freezes after a wash?
If your doors or locks freeze, avoid pulling on them forcefully. If possible, use a remote start to warm the vehicle and loosen the ice. De-icing sprays designed for locks and door seams can also help melt ice and reduce future freezing.
If freezing rain or sleet is expected, applying a small amount of cooking oil to rubber door seals ahead of time may help prevent doors from freezing shut.
How can I wash my car in the winter without a car wash?
If a touchless car wash isn’t an option, you can clean your car at home using a sponge bath. In a garage, use sponges or microfiber towels to remove grime. Waterless car wash products can also help clean and polish your car’s exterior without using large amounts of water.
How often should I wash my car in the winter?
The answer really depends on your local climate and how often you drive. If you’re driving your car every day, a weekly car wash might be best to keep the salt away and your windshield clean. However, if you aren’t driving as frequently, you might be able to stick to a monthly car wash.
Can I wax my car in the winter?
Applying wax before winter begins can help protect your car from road salt. However, once temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, wax may not cure properly. If winter is already underway, waxing can still be done indoors or on a warmer day.
We’ve Got You Covered
Winter weather can be hard on your car, but the right care helps protect your vehicle and your investment. Even on the coldest days, you can count on ERIE auto insurance. Our local agents understand the conditions your car faces and can help you find coverage options that fit your needs.
Posted on 17 February 2026 | 4:00 pm
Q & A: What is No-Fault Insurance?
You’ve might have heard of no-fault insurance. But do you really know what it means and how it impacts your auto coverage?
If not, the following Q&A will help clarify things for you. (Along with this general overview, we recommend speaking with your local Erie Insurance agent for personalized guidance.)
What is no-fault insurance?
No-fault insurance applies to the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) part of your auto insurance policy, also known in some places as Medical Payments or First Party Benefits Coverage. PIP covers your medical expenses if you are in an auto accident. In some states, it can also reimburse you for lost wages and other related costs.
In a state with no-fault insurance laws, you file a claim for covered expenses with your own auto insurance company—regardless of who caused the accident. Along with collecting from your own insurer, no-fault insurance often restricts your ability to file a lawsuit.
Which states have no-fault insurance?
There are currently 12 states with no-fault insurance:
Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Utah.
In Kentucky, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, there’s something slightly different called choice no-fault. In these states, drivers can opt out of no-fault rules to retain the right to sue under traditional liability laws.
Why do some states have no-fault insurance?
The idea behind no-fault insurance is to reduce expensive, time-consuming lawsuits (especially for minor injuries) and to ensure the prompt payment of medical claims.
If everyone can collect from their own insurer and lawsuits are limited to serious injuries, there are generally fewer court cases and quicker resolutions.
When can I sue another driver in a no-fault state?
States define lawsuit eligibility using either verbal or monetary thresholds. Verbal thresholds describe the severity or type of injury, while monetary thresholds specify a minimum dollar amount in medical expenses. Once a threshold is met, you can sue for damages like medical bills, though pain and suffering claims may still be limited.
- Verbal threshold states: Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
- Monetary threshold states: Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, Utah
Do I still need uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage?
Yes—it’s strongly recommended. Even in no-fault states, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is important because:
- About 1 in 7 drivers lack insurance.
- Many drivers carry only minimal liability coverage.
- No-fault benefits may not fully cover lost wages or pain and suffering.
- Your health insurance may have high deductibles or coverage limits.
- Suing an uninsured driver can be costly and stressful.
Having this extra layer of coverage helps protect you financially and gives you peace of mind.
No-fault insurance can be complex, but your local Erie Insurance agent can help you understand your options and ensure you're properly covered.
Talk to your local Erie Insurance agent today to make sure your auto insurance plan fits your needs.
Posted on 4 February 2026 | 4:00 pm
